Healing yourself is connected with healing others

I'm not sure where I heard that quote, but it came to me when I visited Glen last night. He was in good spirits after receiving some good news about his progress. The nurse said he would be going home "pretty soon". Glen said he was fine with that ambiguity because putting a carrot on a stick is better than not hearing anything. He has a lot more movement and only needs leg splints at night.

Beth was leaving as I was coming in, so with a high-five and a "clean" hug, she headed for a  long drive home after a very long day. Glen said she was instructed on (or just watched) his  bandage change. He told me in detail about his surgical procedures. I had no idea what it actually took to fix an injury like this. He couldn't be under general anesthesia because of the risk of stroke. The level of pain is not of this world. It's something that cannot be described or imagined. The threshold isn't on that 1 to 10 scale normally used, but he handled it with bravery and heroism. The nurses are fond of him because he sings and chants instead of screaming, like most patients do.

I never thought very much about that little pink donor sticker on my driver's license until hearing how proud Glen is to have this new multicultural skin. He says it makes him feel closer to humanity. Then he put on that silly viking cap just in case I was taking him too seriously.

So here's my friend, still in intensive care after 3 weeks, asking to hear about my problems. I hesitated because it didn't seem fair to burden him, but he insisted on changing the subject. He understood my situation and listened patiently to all my tribulations. Talking with him helped heal my heart. Glen is a true friend, and my friends are my family these days. Sharing stories during difficult times helps with healing. Thanks, Glen.